Labrador Fishing Boats near Cape Charles 

William Bradford created this seascape of Labrador fishing boats near Cape Charles using oil paint, a traditional fine art medium that allowed him to capture the subtle gradations of light on water and ice. Look closely, and you’ll see how the materiality of the paint itself contributes to the image. The brushstrokes are visible, especially in the sky, giving a sense of atmosphere. The smooth, almost translucent layering of paint on the water creates a sense of depth and reflection, while the impasto, or thick application of paint, on the iceberg adds texture and volume, mimicking the rough, uneven surface of the ice. Consider the labor involved in this kind of painting. Bradford would have spent hours mixing paints, carefully applying layers, and building up the image detail by detail. This meticulous process reflects the artist's dedication to his craft and the time-intensive nature of traditional painting techniques. Thinking about materials, making, and context allows us to fully appreciate the skill, labor, and artistic vision that went into creating this image. It challenges our conventional understanding of art and craft.